Alan Julian

Alan Julian made what some might call a surprise return to Stevenage in summer 2011, after ending his three-year stay down at Gillingham. It was the Kent club that the Northern Ireland stopper joined from us; going there with former manager Mark Stimson. In bringing the goalkeeper back to the Lamex Stadium, Graham Westley secured Julian’s services for the second time. GW brought him to the club first in February 2005 in a move that helped push Boro’ forward on the path to the 2004-5 Conference playoff final.

One claim is that coach Lionel Perez played a role in recruiting Julian from Brentford in the first place. Whoever made the call, however, it was inspired. Julian was an agile keeper; showing excellent reactions and not afraid to make some crucial saves. Named 2005-6 Supporters’ Association Player of the Year, Julian continued his strong form into his first full season with the club. And he bailed Boro’ out of a tight spot on more than one occasion.

Alan Julian: After Boro’

Julian left Stevenage for a second time in summer 2012. First up was a move down to South Wales with Newport County, before returning to Kent with Dartford. Sutton and Bromley are also among his clubs since leaving Boro’, as well as Billericay Town; the club where he moved in 2017 and where he could be found heading into the 2019-20 season still going strong. In 2024, Julian became manager of Hampton & Richmond Borough.